Photo-a-Day - December 2012 - Day 24: Spire

Photo-a-Day - December 2012 - Day 24:  Spire

For years, I've listened to music from the Academy of St. Martin's-in-the-Field.  I, of course, imagined it being located in a verdant green field.  Imaging my surprise when, as I was being taken on a driving tour of London, my driver took me to Trafalgar Square and I inquired after the spire.  Yup, St. Martin's-in-the-Field; right across from the National Gallery.

The church, as do most things in London, has an incredibly long history, with the first reference to it being in 1222.  It has been rebuilt several times.  The foundation stone of the present church was laid on 19 March 1722, and the last stone of the spire was placed in position in December 1724.

St Martin-in-the-Fields is one of the most famous non-cathedral churches in London. It is famous for its work with homeless people and for its regular lunchtime and evening concerts with all profits going to the work of the church. The crypt is also home to the London Brass Rubbing Centre, an art gallery and a book and gift shop.

I am fortunate to have a large brass rubbing done there by a friend who visited many years before my trip.